Why Kate loves dressing George and Charlotte in clothes by Spanish designers

By Ainhoa Barcelona

February 24, 2017

The Duchess of Cambridge has an international wardrobe, boasting outfits from a range of high-end designers from all corners of the world. But when it comes to her own children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, Kate tends to turn to Spanish labels. This is particularly true of her one-year-old daughter Charlotte. Just hours after she was born, the little Princess left the hospital wrapped up in a cream knitted bonnet from Irulea — a family business based in the Spanish northern city of San Sebastian.

Prince William and Kate's Spanish nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, is believed to have given the bonnet as a gift. Shopkeeper Ayago Villar, who runs the 84-year-old family business with her sister Susana, told HELLO! Online that it was a "pleasant surprise" to see Charlotte wearing their bonnet. "It was made in our shop, it's all handmade," said Ayago.

TAP TO VIEW GALLERYPrincess Charlotte wearing a cream bonnet made by Irulea, a family business in Spain

No doubt Kate's Spanish nanny Maria has been influential in dressing her young charges. For Charlotte's first official portrait, the Princess was again dressed head-to-toe in Irulea. Maria had picked out the clothes before Charlotte was born and given them as a present. Kate is also a fan of Spanish brand m&h, which is sold in Valladolid, Madrid and Valencia. She owns at least one pink floral dress from the shop, which Charlotte wore for her official portraits when she was six months old. The Duchess is also a customer of Amaia Kids, a boutique based in London but owned by Spaniard Amaia Arrieta. Prince George has been pictured wearing a blue knitted cardigan by the label.

Prince George wearing a blue knitted cardigan by Amaia Kids

Explaining Kate's tendency to shop Spanish, HELLO!'s royal correspondent Emily Nash said: "We've seen Kate increasingly opt for Spanish brands in recent years, most notably from Princess Charlotte's first appearance outside the Lindo Wing wearing knitwear by Irulea, which was a gift from the Cambridge's Spanish nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borallo. They are fairly traditional pieces, so very appropriate for royal children."

Emily added that perhaps Kate doesn't want to trigger the 'George and Charlotte effect'. "I suspect they are also a hit with the Duchess because they are relatively exclusive and not as easy to copy as, for example, something from a UK high street brand. She's seen the phenomenal 'Kate Effect' caused by her own fashion choices and perhaps, understandably, wants to avoid her children becoming mini fashion influencers at such a young age!" she said.

Princess Charlotte again wearing an outfit by Irulea

Of their very traditional look, Emily concluded: "I think George and Charlotte probably stick to a certain look, i.e. the shorts and knee socks and floral dress and cardigan, for public appearances and official photographs because that's how royal children have traditionally been dressed, so we occasionally see the same pieces being worn again, which makes complete sense when it comes to kidswear."

HELLO! Canada magazine is available for your tablet and smartphone. Get HELLO! Canada, PEOPLE, Vanity Fair and over 100 more of the world’s best magazines for one low monthly price at Texture by Next Issue. CLICK HERE to sign up for a free trial.